AgDay Daily Recap -September 26, 2012

Good morning I’m Clinton Griffiths. An animal rights group goes after the nation's largest pork trade group - not for farming practices, but for a marketing campaign! The National Pork Producers council released a statement saying the suit lacks merit. The council says "this also is the latest bullying tactic by HSUS in its efforts to force NPPC to abandon its position on allowing farmers to choose production practices that are best for the welfare of their animals."

GESTATION STALLS:Meanwhile two major pork users have laid-out their positions about the use of gestation stalls for pork production. Conagra Foods and Hillshire Farms both announced this week that they plan to use source pork from stall-free production systems by 2022.

PORK PRODUCTION:

U.S. pork producers are faced with a difficult decision. Higher feed prices and lower pork prices are forcing producers to push more hogs to slaughter.

I-80 HARVEST:

The latest USDA crop progress report shows Nebraska’s corn harvest is 36% complete. Normally, it's only 5% at this date. And while harvest is ahead, the drought still looms on farmers' minds. AgDay National Reporter Tyne Morgan launchers her I-80 harvest travels from the cornhusker state where despite the dry weather and heat, harvest is a pleasant surprise.

Harvest requires thousands of gallons of fuel...which is why many operations keep fuel tanks on farm. But there's concern new EPA rules could make significant changes to how that fuel is stored.

DISCRIMINATION:

The USDA continues to work through past discretions. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who believe USDA discriminated against them can now file claims for a cash settlement.

CROP WATCH:

Time to get your first look at farm country weather on this Wednesday morning. Mike Hoffman has details in cropwatch.

OUTDOORS ON THE FARM:

Today we wrap up our outdoors on the farm series with Chip Flory. We start today with a whistle and some tips on training that hunting sidekick. Expert dog trainer Todd Sterrett is here and later chip finishes out the series with a night hunt in Minnesota.

BACON SHORTAGE:

If you're a bacon lover, this won't come as good news to you. The National Pig Association in Britain, now says a world shortage of pork and bacon next year is unavoidable.

WORLD FOOD PRICES:

Bacon isn't alone. Food prices are expected to hit record levels by the start of next year.

HUNGRY KIDS:

The USDA's new school lunch program has gotten off to a rocky start in many areas.

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